By the numbers: 2024 waste and recycling trends

Reflect on the year through key data points about labor, the economy, M&A, federal and state policy, recycling trends and more.

By Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren , Jacob Wallace • Dec. 20, 2024

Waste and recycling collection was fourth deadliest occupation in 2023: BLS

The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows an increase in the rate of fatalities for the refuse and recyclable materials collection occupation. The total number of fatalities in MRFs also increased.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 20, 2024

EPA grants California waiver for low-NOx truck emissions rule

The rule had been adopted by nine states in anticipation of the waiver. But President Trump previously sparred with California over waivers for its emissions rules, and many expect him to do so again in his second term.

By Colin Campbell • Dec. 19, 2024

EPA to grant millions to local waste resilience projects

The U.S. EPA announced recipients of a fresh wave of funding through the Community Change Grants Program, several of which plan to expand compost and recycling services.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 18, 2024

What’s next now that Oregon has adopted final EPR for packaging rules

Finalized rules include new permitting and living wage requirements for MRFs, as well as new fees the PRO will be expected to pay certain recyclers.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 18, 2024

Denver airport’s diversion pilot program tackles waste through ‘valet’ service

The Zero Waste Valet program, run by compost company Scraps, aims to raise the airport's diversion rate. It diverted more than 69 tons of material in the first six months.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 17, 2024

Aspen Waste announces organic expansion into Colorado, bucking M&A trend

Family-owned Aspen Waste enters the Colorado market during a time of consolidation in the region. It aims to offer a customer service-focused choice as the state prepares to implement its EPR for packaging law.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 16, 2024

Textile takeback company Trashie expands into electronics recycling

The textile processing company, which rewards consumers who send in old clothing, sees fast-growing opportunities in the electronics recycling sector.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 4, 2024

DSNY plans to award more commercial waste zone contracts following market consolidation

The recent sale of Royal Waste Solutions led to openings in two zones and a changed ownership structure for a joint venture with Cogent Waste. Meanwhile, advocates want the city to move faster on zone implementation.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 20, 2024

Trade groups urge US House to pass recycling infrastructure, data bills

A broad coalition of organizations are giving a final push to the bills as one of the lead co-sponsors, Sen. Tom Carper, prepares to retire. Both bills have already passed the Senate.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 20, 2024

Trump’s DOT secretary nominee would support trucking priorities, groups say

Former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy understands trucking issues and will be an ally of the industry, according to multiple trucking industry groups.

By Colin Campbell • Nov. 19, 2024

Boston requests new waste and recycling ideas ahead of 2027 contract expirations

Collection and disposal, waste prevention and recycling, data and analytics, and policy and behavior change are among the topics for which the city wants input. It reupped many existing contracts to buy more time to craft RFPs.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 13, 2024

Textile recycling efforts pick up steam in LA, New York and beyond

WM, Goodwill and researchers in California and New York are working on sortation pilots, partnerships with apparel companies and research projects to gain insight into material flows.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 13, 2024

Major waste companies spent $1.45B on Q3 M&A, up from modest Q2

Waste Connections spent the most in Q3 and is on track for an annual company record in 2024, while North American industry peers reported plans to focus on tuck-ins or ease off major spending.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Nov. 11, 2024

Injury rates for waste industry workers fell in 2023, but illnesses rose

Injury rates still haven’t fallen back to historically low 2021 levels. Meanwhile, solid waste collection workers experienced significantly more illnesses than in 2022.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 8, 2024

NWRA challenges EPA emissions method; landfill operators report initial hurricane effects

Plus, WM, Republic Services and Rumpke Waste & Recycling continued landfill expansion efforts in multiple states. Multiple publicly owned landfills also reported closure and expansion news.

By Jacob Wallace , Megan Quinn , Cole Rosengren • Nov. 8, 2024

GFL forecasts at least $4.3B from environmental services sale, announces new COO

The estimated proceeds are tracking ahead of initial projections. The pending sale will free up opportunities for solid waste M&A, executives said.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 7, 2024

Waste and recycling donors spend millions across federal, state and local races

PACs affiliated with the National Waste & Recycling Association, WM, Republic Services, Reworld and others were active this cycle. Meanwhile, one former industry executive donated millions to a Trump-affiliated PAC.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 5, 2024

WM completes $7.2B Stericycle deal, takes leading position in medical waste market

Stericycle’s medical and document destruction assets now reside under WM's Healthcare Solutions division. While WM tried to grow in this market under prior leadership, it often ran into stiff competition from Stericycle.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn • Nov. 4, 2024

Stericycle reports steady Q3 results, receives final regulatory approval for WM sale

Stericycle reported “revenue challenges” with some customers, as well as hurricane effects, in its latest results. The company also disclosed the price of its pending asset sale to Urbaser in Spain and Portugal.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 1, 2024

Casella reports ‘mixed’ quarter with notable revenue but unexpected expenses

The company reported over $400 million in revenue for the quarter, which was a first. But unexpected insurance and landfill closure payments, as well as lower landfill tonnage, caused headwinds.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 31, 2024

Rail business drags on Enviri’s Q3, while Clean Earth remains strong

The company’s rail business continued to drag on cash flow, but CEO Nick Grasberger said he expects that segment to turn around by the end of next year. 

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 31, 2024

Q3 earnings results for major waste and recycling companies in 2024

Follow the latest results from WM, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, Casella, Clean Harbors and Enviri.

By Waste Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 12, 2024

Clean Harbors idles California oil re-refinery, plans to open Nebraska incinerator soon

Executives touted strength in other parts of the business, due in part to recent acquisitions, despite near-term oil and industrial market softness. 

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 30, 2024

Republic Services reports continued pricing growth, advancements on RNG and EV plans

The company reported capital expenditures were on pace for polymer centers, renewable natural gas facilities and electric trucks. Executives also discussed ongoing efforts to push pricing in the environmental solutions segment.

By Jacob Wallace • Oct. 30, 2024